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A look inside latest IPO candidate Kura Sushi USA

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

July 9, 2019

7 Slides
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Kura Sushi USA Inc., the 21-unit subsidiary of Kura Japan, intends to raise $57.5 million in a public offering for the technologically savvy brand, the company announced last week in a federal filing.

The Irvine, Calif.-based subsidiary, established in 2008, uses revolving-sushi technology developed for the parent brand, which has more than 400 restaurants. The first restaurant opened in Japan in 1984.

The U.S. division opened three restaurants in 2017 and four in 2018. As of May 31, the company had opened four of its five planned locations.

The company said its “real estate strategy focuses on high-traffic retail centers in markets with a diverse population and above-average household income.” Units range from 1,600- to 5,600-square feet and can fit into both in-line and end-cap locations at strip malls and shopping centers.

The company said that between the end of fiscal 2017 and 2018, its U.S. sales grew 38.9% to $51.7 million, operating income grew 81.5% to $1.9 million, and net income grew 146.4% to $1.7 million. Kura Sushi USA’s fiscal year ends Aug. 31. Average unit volume for fiscal 2018 was about $3.5 million, the company said.

Kura Sushi USA has units in California, Texas, Georgia and Illinois.

Here’s a look inside the Kura Sushi opened last year in Frisco, Texas.

All photos courtesy of Ron Ruggless.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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